Spring Break Adventures in Tennessee

Get an adrenaline rush with your daredevil kids, tweens and teens when you hit the mountain biking trails at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park conveniently close to Johnson City. The unique spring break destination for families is over 40 acres of diverse terrain, the trails in this park are perfect for an exhilarating day outdoors. Riders of all skill levels can enjoy the trails that weave through Northeast Tennessee's forests and be close to the city to freshen up and enjoy the nightlife.

• Parking: There is a designated parking lot onsite.
   
• Operational hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
   
• Ticketing: Tannery Knobs is a free-to-access park.

Known as the “Greatest Site under the Smokies,” Tuckaleechee Caverns is a 20-minute drive from Cades Cove and a great attractions for kids, grandparents and the whole family. One of the interesting features of the caverns is the huge rooms, with the Big Room cavern reaching more than a football field in length. The formations in the caverns are awe-inspiring, and Silver Falls, a spectacular waterfall located inside the caverns, is a must-see. 

• Parking: Parking is available onsite.
   
• Operational hours: 
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 1-31
  10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 1-Oct. 31
  10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 1-30
   
• Ticketing: 
  $26 + tax - Adults
  $14 + tax - Child ages 5-11
  Free - Child ages 4 and younger

Deep Creek rock climbing area is one of Chattanooga's premier climbing crags and part of the Cumberland Trail hiking trail system. Sports climbing includes lots of overhanging sandstone and routes range from the mid-5.11s-up. Moderates can be found in the Tea and Crumpets Wall, too.

• Parking: Parking is only allowed through a gated parking lot managed by the Southeastern Climbers Coalition. You must fill out a waiver to obtain the gate code. No overnight camping or parking is allowed 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. 

If you scroll through Knoxville tagged Instagram posts, chances are you’ve seen people within fields of sunflowers beginning in July at Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area. It makes for a magical, aesthetically-pleasing photo-op every time. While on spring break trips, you can spend time discovering wildlife and other gorgeous views among the 10.6 miles of easy to moderate trails, part of Knoxville’s larger Urban Wilderness program that has 1,000-forested areas along the downtown waterfront. It's a quiet and unique spring break destination for families of all ages. 

• Parking: Trailhead parking is available at two locations: 3140 McClure Lane and 5907 Burnett Creek Road.
   
• Accessibility: Forks of the River has ADA parking spots. The Will Skelton Greenway starts at Island Home Park and winds through Ijams Nature Center and Forks of the River. The paved greenway is ADA accessible with a few short hill sections. 
   
• Operational hours: Forks of the River is open year-round during daylight hours.

Looking for a spring break without the crowds? Cumberland Mountain State Park has hiking and biking trails for all skill levels. Fourteen miles of hiking trails snake through the state park. For a moderate challenge, the Pioneer Loop Trail is for you. This trail begins just past the swinging bridge and follows a three-mile loop that follows Byrd Creek upstream to a one-lane sandstone arch bridge then returns on the opposite side of the creek. You'll see rock overhangs and rock formations as well as a fat-man squeeze. Head out on the almost 6-mile overnight trail which leads to the overnight campsite among a grove of pink lady's slippers. You'll cross a swinging bridge, several creeks and streams along the loop trail.

• Parking: Parking is available throughout the park including at the Visitor Center and trailheads.
   
• Accessibility: All-terrain wheelchairs are available for rent that are specially designed to navigate a wide range of terrains. Byrd Lake Trail is 0.5 miles of porous pavement that leads to a foot bridge at the boat dock. Wheelchair-friendly parking near the trailhead is in the Visitor Center parking lot. ADA accessible restrooms are located at the Visitor Center. The Historic CCC Museum is wheelchair accessible as well as The Restaurant at Cumberland Mountain.
   
• Operational hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday-Sunday

One of the best family vacations on a budget is in Franklin. Take the kids to SOAR Adventure Tower, about 30 minutes south near Nashville. With four levels and more than 110 climbing elements, kids and adults alike are challenged to overcome their limitations both physically and mentally. Each platform offers three different features so you can change your course whenever you want and create your own experience. Music-themed elements can be found throughout the courses, giving a nod to the rich music found throughout Tennessee. There’s a ground level perfect for little ones to explore their own abilities, ideal for ages 3-8 with 19 elements. Level 1 is 15 feet above ground, Level 2 is approximately 30 feet above ground and Level 3 is more than 45 feet, all filled with challenges to complete. 

• Parking: Ample, free parking is available onsite.
   
• Accessibility: Call Soar at 615-721-5103 for accessibility questions.
   
• Operational hours: 
  Winter hours: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Check online for updated available booking. 
  Spring hours begin March 2, 2026: 1-9 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday; 1-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
   
• Ticketing: A Tower Adventure Pass is $30-50. If you want to stay on the ground, mini golf is also offered for $7-13.

Looking for quiet spring break destinations? Find adventure at Window Cliffs State Natural Area, a 275-acre natural wonder with a challenging hike that rewards thrill seekers with spectacular views of the Upper Cumberland below. The name is derived from the natural stone structures at the summit, producing a window-like shape. Cross over streams, hills and more to get some of the most epic photos. We can guarantee your friends will be envious over this unique spring break destination.

• Parking: A parking lot is located at the trailhead.
   
• Operational hours: Window Cliffs is a day-use natural area.
  Winter hours - Nov. 1-Feb. 28/29: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., gate closes at 2 p.m.
  Summer hours - March 1-Oct. 31: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., gate closes at 4 p.m.

Challenge your mind and body on Go Ape Zipline Memphis located inside Shelby Farms Park. Choose from the treetop adventure, the largest course that includes 36 ft. high tree-to-tree crossings, long ziplines over the lake and Tarzan swings or the treetop journey that includes ziplines, suspended bridges and obstacles. Turn up the fun for adventure after sunset to tackle the obstacles and epic ziplines after dark. Axe Throwing, a Forest EscAPE game and Gorilla Golf can also be experienced. 

• Parking: Ample parking is available onsite at the Go Ape location.
   
• Accessibility: Please review Go Ape's Additional Support Guidelines for safety and ADA information on each course.
   
• Operational hours: Please consult the Book Now page to find operating hours for each experience.
   
• Ticketing: 
  The Treetop Adventure: $59.95 for adults ages 16 and older; $54.95 for kids 10-15 years old
  Sunset Sessions: $49.95 for ages 16+; $44.95 for kids 10-15 years old
  The Treetop Journey: $34.95 
  Axe Throwing: $19.95 per person
  Gorilla Mini Golf: $7.95
  Forest EscAPE: $19.95